Twin Palms restaurant to close Nov. 25

PASADENA - After 15 years as a fixture in the heart of Old Pasadena, the Twin Palms restaurant will close its doors Nov. 25.

The restaurant - which actor Kevin Costner and his then-wife Cindy opened when they lived in La Ca ada Flintridge - has been owned and operated since 2002 by a partnership including BRACC Restaurant Corp. and BRV, an entity of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, spokeswoman Lisa Cohen said Monday.

The high-profile restaurant, where presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton held a fundraiser in 2008, has been struggling since the economy took a downturn a year ago, Cohen said.

"Basically it's the worst economy since the Great Depression, and it's had a significant impact on businesses, especially those in entertainment and leisure," Cohen said. "The restaurant was successful for many years, but it hasn't been able to perform in the current environment and there was no choice but to close down. It's sad, and closure was the last resort."

The first hint that Twin Palms was in trouble came recently, when it began opening only Fridays and Saturdays and only serving Sunday brunch.

The restaurant owners are "committed to respecting and honoring commitments to customers with scheduled events, or have something planned," Cohen said.

"We'll help them make the arrangements to have (an event) go forward before the closure, or locate a suitable venue," she said.

She added that management also will make every effort to help the 80 or so employees find new jobs.

The restaurant, on the former Auto Garage site at Green Street and Delacey Avenue, is famous for the two giant palms that gave it its name and for the expansive patio where live music and dancing were a feature.

Twin Palms was the site of many weddings, charity events and other celebrations over the years.

"I've been there for everything from charity fundraisers to the lunch the school district puts on for the `Principal for a Day' people," said Paul Little, president and CEO of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. "It's an asset to the community in a number of ways, rather than just an eating establishment."

Little said it was disconcerting and worrisome to see Twin Palms close.

"I think because it's an established restaurant that's been here so long, and it's closing as a result of the economy. It's been a key player in Old Pasadena for so long," he said.

Twin Palms plans on going out with a bang, Cohen said. The owners are asking everyone who attended a wedding or reception, graduation, birthday or other special occasion there to come by for dinner Nov. 25.